Operating system for reloading firearms combining a gas piston system and an external manually actuated mechanical linkage

ABSTRACT

An Operating System for firearms combining a direct drive gas piston system, functioning in conjunction with a linkage mechanism operating within a structural tube, enabling the use of a frontal charging handle or a sliding handguard allowing a frontal actuated, ambidextrous, non-reciprocating charring operation. The operating system is conceived to be easily retrofitted in M16 rifles without performing any machining operations. The artifact partially comprises affixing supports, a structural tube to constrain and align the actuating components, a securing frontal gas block, a regulated direct gas piston including an independent push bar with alignment rings, springs, and freely displacing parts with lateral projections connecting with the exterior handle or hand guard actuator. By enabling to use the firer&#39;s supporting hand while charging, it solves complicated ergonomic maneuvers required to charge with the original M16 T handle, improves rifle cleanliness, and reduces the crucial time to get back on target.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation-in-Part of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/855,038, filed on Apr. 2, 2013, which claims the benefit of Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/686,226 filed on Apr. 2, 2012, now expired. The entirety of both the co-pending non-provisional and expired provisional applications are herein incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This application relates generally to an operational system improvement for reloading firearms, such as the M16 and others, to be operated by the use of Gas-Piston systems. The M16 rifle platforms are improved by the addition of a set of mechanisms integrating in one unit, an extra lateral, ambidextrous, frontal, non-reciprocating charging handle, or sliding hand guard, acting in conjunction with a regulated gas piston-cylinder couple direct drive system of easy installation, not requiring any machining or permanent modification of the standard M-16 receiver. This array of mechanism and operational system may be utilized as well in other types of auto loading firearms for use as an OEM design or by making the suitable parts dimensional modification to fit operationally.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The use of the high pressure gasses inside the barrel of firearms to propel direct drive rods to force the unlocking of the bolt and allows its recoil is very old (present within firearms such as: AK 47, AK 74, AK (10)1, FAL, Galil, G3 H&K, FN 49, SKS, SVT (40), just to name a few). Recently, several manufacturers like Bushmaster, Remington, Smith & Wesson, Rugger, Annalite, and Heckler & Koch have incorporated the use of the direct drive gas systems to substitute the gas impingement system of the original M16 rifles and platforms alike, including the manufacture of retrofits. The automatic cycle of the ejection of used shells, and reload of new rounds into the barrel chamber is made possible by bringing into being an aged combination of pistons, cylinders, push rods, and springs utilizing the high pressure gasses to generate a strong rearwards displacement of the push rod, that in turn impacts a solid spot of the bolt carrier, inside the receiver, unlocking and displacing the bolt rearwards. There are numerous, nearly identical systems, now in fashion, that perform in a similar manner and are being supplied as standard from the factory or as retrofit kits (such as noted as noted above as it concerns such other firearm manufacturers in relation to improved versions of M16 and even AR 15 platform rifles).

However, none of these direct drive gas piston systems take advantage of mechanical elements already in place to go one significant step forward in solving the notorious disadvantage of the M16 and platforms alike in terms of uncomfortable rear charging action involved. Such action must be performed by pulling, straight back, a T Charging Handle located at the rear of the receiver. This is a very uncomfortable maneuver, against all ergonomic principles, forcing the firer to decompose his firing posture to the extent that it may reveal his location to the enemy.

Several attempts have been undertaken to replace the OEM gas impingement system of the M-16 or AR-15 rifles platform by a direct drive gas piston system. The M-16 is notorious for fouling and jamming due to the original design requiring the discharge gas be directed through a gas impingement tube into the bolt carrier to urge the bolt displacement to the rear in response to the firing of a cartridge and produce the expel of the spent shell and the reloading of a new round into the barrel rear end, for instance.

Most of the guns utilizing gases to assist in the opening of the bolt avoid the gas impingement system, including the AK 47, AK 74, AK (10)1, FAL, Galil, G3 H&K, FN 49, M1, M2 Carbine, M (14), SKS, BAR, FN SCAR, and Remington ACR, just to name a few. These types basically utilize a combination of rods and pistons, either being of Short stroke or Long stroke action. In a short stroke actuator system, the moving part energetically impacts a push rod, temporary contacting the bolt for a short distance of about half an inch, sufficient to move and unlock the bolt and allow the still pressurized chamber and barrel to exert its high pressure against the bolt urging its motion backwards to cause an automatic reloading operation. In Short Stroke gas Piston-Cylinder systems, the two latter named components remain uncoupled, moving linearly one inside the other, for a short distance, within the gas block body.

In a Long Stroke actuator system, the push rod is permanently connected to the bolt and moves with it as a single Part, displacing for a long distance, operating inside a long tube cylinder which originally transmits energy and motion to the part promoting the opening of the unlocking of the bolt and the complete rearwards motion the cause the reloading. This latter system is typically represented in the AK 47 rifle.

The majority of the above mentioned rifles have an external, reciprocating charging handle connected to the bolt that can potentially harm the firer in its rearwards strong displacement when firing. Others have developed systems to repine the OEM gas impingement system. Some require that significant portions of the rifle be modified or replaced, such as the barrel and parts within the receiver. These systems have obvious drawbacks. The cost of replacing the barrel and other parts is substantial and unnecessary. If machining is required to install the system, the user must send the rifle to a machinist or gunsmith to be modified, added time and expense to the process, and potentially, introducing error with each independent machining process.

Some manufacturers have designed systems that do not require the replacement of the barrel and are an improvement over the OEM and previous systems, such as those manufactured by Land Warfare Resources Corporation (LWRC), Bushmaster, Adams, Smith & Wesson, Rugger, Remington Heckler & Koch H&K 416, DPM, and Armalite. Moreover, Rock River also recently introduced a rifle having the Frontal Charging System and Direct Drive combination that works only with its proprietary design of an extended Upper receiver and cannot be incorporated to any existing M16 or AR 15 rifle platform. Adcor recently manufactured a rifle providing a combination of frontal charging handle and Direct Drive system, while maintaining the traditional rear charging handle. However, this improvement demands a profound change in the rifle design, and requires for its operation to work in cooperation with the main spring and a frontal extension of the upper receiver. It is not a simple addition to an existing M 16, AR 15 rifle platform that can be added as a retrofit kit, or a simple addition to the production of conventional rifles of that category.

Other important patents to mention are; U.S. Pat. No. 3,246,567, Miller; U.S. Pat. No. 4,244,273, Langerdorfet; U.S. Pat. No. 4,765,224, Morris; U.S. Pat. No. 5,351,598, Schutz, which have in common the utilization of a gas-piston direct drive, and one of them U.S. Pat. No. 6,634,274, Herring; even a structural protecting tube through which the actuating bar moves, and all of them keep the OEM T charging handle of the system, reason for which the problems associated with the rear charging operation by the OEM T handle subsist.

Generically all gas-piston direct drive systems utilize an actuator pneumatic combination of a cylinder, either static or mobile, receiving high pressure combustion gases from a piston, either static or mobile, and wherein the moving part displaces to impact a push bar to move a part of the bolt with sufficient energy to unlock the bolt and allow its opening. Interesting is to notice the very small differences in recently awarded patents with respect to gas-piston mechanisms utilized successfully since the 1940 s like the FN 49 rifle and then by the FAL rifle.

Almost identical is the Adams gas piston system in which the major improvement comes from the ability to extract, for cleaning, in a single piece, the rod and the cylinder, which are a single integral part in their design.

None of these existing systems provide any means to enable, as well, the manual charging action from the front of the rifle. Further more, none of these systems operate inside an easily attached structural tube to contain, guide, and protect the components of the system. None of the above mentioned combinations can be installed in existing M16 or AR15 rifle platforms as a retrofit kit of quick installation or removal without extensive irreversible modification to the receiver.

Prior Art Disadvantages

In general, in all previous solutions attempted up to now to replace the gas impingement system, the direct drive gas piston systems use actuator rods, which, at a certain instance of the action, where the cylinder uncouples the gas piston portion it operates in cantilever of tong length, being supported weakly only at the rear extreme by a portion penetrating inside the receiver without any other support, situation which generates disturbing harmonic vibrations affecting the performance of the system, overstressing the rod bar, and demanding thicker sections of the part.

The M16-M4 family of rifles is excellent in many respects, and both have undergone upgrades, however, there are still several detrimental flaws inherent to its original design. The most significant flaws are listed below.

Flaws Related to the OEM Gas Impingement System:

The gas impingement system is a source of gas residues and dirt accumulation causing malfunctioning. The disadvantages of the OEM gas impingement system are well known, primarily due to the hot, dirty gases being directed into the bolt carrier and receiver. The heat alone tends to wear parts down, exposing this area to thermal cycling. With the addition of soot or carbon from the expelled gasses, the moving parts within the bolt carrier and receiver are exposed to a hostile environment. This is exacerbated by the constant need to lubricate this entire area; the oil serving to trap particles and carbon. This combination of factors cause the parts to break, wear, or operate improperly. The areas of failure can include the fouling and wear of the gas rings, loosening of the ejector and extractor springs causing the spent shell to not be ejected properly, the bolt carrier is prevented form traveling properly within the receiver, as the chamber becomes fouled and increases in temperature causing the entrapment of the spent shell, the melting of the gas tube causing a restriction of flow to the bolt carrier and subsequent failure. Basically, to ensure the proper operation of the rifle, it must be cleaned and continually lubricated, With many parts to keep track of, consistent cleaning is more difficult in the field.

Flaws Related to the Position of the T Charging Handle in M 16 Rifles:

Conflicting with ergonomy and shooter's comfort, and the restriction to use large scopes; the M-16 or AR-15 has a charging T handle located at the rear of the receiver that is notorious for the difficulty to the firer to perform the charging action in a comfortable manner, conflicting with human ergonomy, and keeping the required body movements within few number of operations in short displacements. The charging maneuver is required when there is a malfunction in the fire cycling: a misfiring; a bad cartridge ejection; a jamming, and a new magazine to load; a bad cartridge, situations which are common when shooting.

When firing from the standing position, the Charging action of a M16 demands the following body maneuvers: the supporting hand stops holding the gun from the front and leaves the front of the rifle in cantilever, leaving the controlling hand responsible of keeping the gun horizontal and creating a large moment about the wrist of the controlling hand; then the supporting hand approaches and grabs an original T charging handle placed about 3 inches above relative to the of the wrist of the controlling hand, in a movement that involves the full lateral articulation of the wrist to the side; then pulls linearly horizontally for about 5 inches with rearwards with a force of about 15 pounds in a region where the arm has nearly completed its articulation about the elbow, and has to be further assisted by a rotation of the torso; then release the T handle; and return to the front to assist in supporting the rifle at the front.

In the kneeling position the same body posture decomposition is required, however, due to body balancing reasons it often requires to abandon the position causing more discomfort, and possibly compromising the concealed firer position.

In the prone position it is very difficult to charge fast because the elbow of the supporting hand has to leave the ground to bring the supporting hand back to be close to the top of the wrist of the controlling hand to pull back the T handle, resulting in a very uncomfortable posture. Some shooters totally decompose the posture by projecting the controlling hand holding the rifle muzzlewards to approach the supporting hand to combinedly perform the charging maneuver.

These ergonomic inconveniences have very negative tactical repercussions directly reflecting in much longer time required to have a good sight picture to be back on target, and which is worse compromising the position of the firer

As a consequence of the above there are flaws related to the restriction to use of certain optical devices:

The original position of the T charging handle in the M 16 at the rear of the receiver conflicts in Vertical space with the use of powerful telescopic sights, which are normally large in diameter at the ocular lens at the rear. That conflict of interfering space has required developing a special type of short telescopic sights for M16, suitable to partially resolve the space conflict, but depriving the shooter of the benefits of a large scope reflecting in low optical power, and narrow angle of vision.

Costly Tactical and combat performance difficulties derived from the above mentioned limitations are reflected in:

the loss of valuable time to get back on target, due optically to eye readjusting and target acquiring; the deprivation of the use of large powerful scopes; the visual loss of the target, loosing track of target happenings and scenario; the loss of time due to body position readjusting; jeopardizing the concealment of the shooter's position; the loss of accuracy due to recent strong fine muscular activity; the loss of time due to body repositioning; the buildup of emotional stress; the frustration buildup due to loss of potential firing opportunities; the dangerous potential of compromising the shooter location; the potential of scope misadjusting due to conflicting area with T handle; the jamming due to known OEM gas impingement system; the need of frequent cleaning to remove dirt related to the use of OEM gas impingement system; and, most aggravating of all, perhaps, is the unquestionable fact that the T handle charging maneuver requires significantly more time to get effectively back on target after reloading, particularly when compared to any other military rifles. Other noticeable problems include: the time required to be effectively back on target exceeds in average 8 seconds more than comparative rifles; the excess of time is due to the need of moving the eyes away from the target, the body maneuver of positioning the rifle relative to the body in a proper position to pull the T Handle, the repositioning of the body to a proper firing position, relocating the target in the seen, aligning of sights, and the adjustment of one's mind and body to shoot; not to mention the time extension excess to get effectively back on target is critical life-threatening in military and law enforcement use.

What is needed then, and not heretofore provided by the existing art, is a combined solution to both of the mentioned flaws organized, integrated in one single array of mechanisms: Which is a combination of frontal charging handle, being ambidextrous and not reciprocating, working in association with a system to replace the OEM gas impingement system of the rifle. What is further needed is a system that can be easily installed in any existing M 16, AR 15 rifle platform, not requiring any machined modifications to the receiver, or replacement of the barrel and other primary parts of the rifle. What is further needed is a system that is easily assembled and disassembled in the field, by minimizing complexity and the overall number of parts. What is again needed is a retrofit system that can be removed for inspection and cleaning without substantial disassembly of neighboring parts, such as the gas block or hand guard. Even more, what is needed is a charging handle to pull back located in the frontal area being ambidextrous, non-reciprocating. What is needed is an array that enables the charging operation to take place alternatively with the supporting hand normally positioned at the front to reduce the time consuming and very uncomfortable charging operation of the M 16 family of rifles by pulling the T handle at the rear.

What is needed is a frontal lateral charging handle or a horizontally sliding Hand Guard or handle connected to a floating charging handle enabling the charge operation to be performed by the so called “pump action”, reloading operation without leaving the supporting hand of the firer away from the front of the rifle without suspending its supporting function. Moreover, what is needed is a charging mechanism capable of operating in tandem with the original T charging handle. Furthermore, what is needed is system complying with all of the above mentioned solutions, and still be capable of operating in tandem with the original rear charging handle without requiring its removal or interfering with its independent action. The use of a structuring tube to provide internal ground contact to moving parts to provide alignment, support and avoid vibration is needed. The tube serving as mobile ground to the linkage elements converts the array in a mechanism.

Advantages of the Invention

This invention is different and advantageous in comparison with prior firearm operating systems better for the following reasons:

It incorporates the use of frontal charging handle operating inside a structural solidly supported guide tube that eliminates the cantilever operation condition of most of the push bars and the associated damaging harmonic vibrations. In the known art, the gas piston cylinder actuator action takes place within the gas block, which has a short stroke displacement where the moving couple never separates one from the other to go and travel enough. This application combines in one device the solution to two flaws of the M16 rifle platforms: problems associated with the gas impingement system, and problems associated with the uncomfortable charging pulling action of the T handle at the rear. It improves the functioning reliability of the rifle, as well as the tactical performance by significantly reducing the recharging time; preventing the unnecessary potentially compromising body movements; and allowing the use of more powerful scopes. It is installable without requiring any machining or permanent modification on M16 and AR15 existing rifles widely used over the world without the significant addition of weight and preserving the original characteristic outlook. It can be uninstalled returning the rifle to the original condition. Due to the notorious advantages, it may o be adopted by an OEM for new production rifles. The OEM rear T handle remains completely independently operative with the frontal charging device of the inventive system, working in tandem. A selective rotary regulator knob located at the front of the gas block provides a range of gas selection. The system does not interfere with the semi automatic or full automatic modes. The world wide used M 16 rifles and platforms alike, are easily retrofitted with a single-piece solution. The system eliminates problems associated with the OEM gas impingement, which keeps the bolt and receiver cleaner and colder, the chamber and the breech, demanding less cleaning and providing a more reliable operation. A “Pump Action” charging action can be achieved by using a frontal horizontally sliding Hand Guard in combination with the ambidextrous, non reciprocating lateral charging handle. This invention drastically reduces time to reload and charge and drastically reduces the body movements required by the presently used to charge using the rear T handle. The new system has important tactical advantages derived from its use, such as favoring the installation of more powerful scopes. This compact system is better than all previously used direct drive gas systems because it uses supporting tube to reduce damaging harmonic vibrations of the push rod. The system provides an alternative embodiment having a gas block composed of two sliding disassemble bodies to facilitate the quick complete field disassembly for maintenance. Additionally, an adapter part or a plurality of them provide solid constrained rear support to a structural guide tube needed for the installation of this array of mechanisms without requiring any permanent modification or machining of the original receiver.

This invention provides a solution to two flaws by integrating an ambidextrous, non-reciprocating frontal charging system, combined with a direct drive gas piston to substitute the original gas impingement system. No permanent modification of the M-16 rifle or AR 15 platform rifles is needed to install this kit. No holes are drilled. No bushings need to be inserted. The original Cocking handle remains operative, or may be removed if wanted. The installation of the kit is reversible and can be executed within minutes.

This invention integrates in one unit the following features: an ambidextrous, non-reciprocating frontal manual side charging system solution, combined with a direct drive gas piston to urge the motion to the bolt carrier rearwards for a distance enough to be operative to eject a used cartridge and reload a live round into a barrel chamber. This invention can be factory installed in new rifles, or very simply mounted in existing rifles, as a retrofit kit, to operate in conjunction with the original rear charging handle, if desired, or completely eliminate the rear pulling charging device. It does not interfere with any other operation of that remarkable family of guns.

Its installation does not require hole drilling or permanent modifications to the rifle, and if desired, it can be uninstalled, and the rifle can be brought back to the original Gas Impingement system.

Additionally, the placement of the Charging Handle (30) at the front is very advantageous ergonomically and tactically because it lends to be pulled back with the supporting hand and arm extended in a region where the action of pulling is more comfortable end effortless under an ergonomic perspective, than pulling at the rear of the rifle in a region where the arm has nearly completed its articulation and has to be assisted by a rotation of the torso.

Since no gases go inside the receiver, or into the Bolt Carrier, both remain cleaner, and colder than the original M16 rifle platforms utilizing OEM gas impingement.

In addition, a gas Regulator can be incorporated to the system by the use of a Gas Plug Piston Regulator (40), a cylindrical gas conductor having a radial array with a plurality of holes of diverse diameter (40D) to variably restrict at will the gas flow when aligning with the high pressure gas aperture (65B).

It is easy to strip in the field. Gas Plug Piston Regulator (40) can be easily pulled out for cleaning, and the Floating Gas Cylinder (20) can be cleaned from the front without any further disassembly. If complete stripping is required it is possible to perform very easily when utilizing the two piece gas block consisting in the Lower Gas Block (60), coupled by sliding with the Upper Gas Block (50) towards the muzzle which allows the complete stripping of all of the parts except the Lower Gas Block (60).

Alternatively, a two piece tube, longitudinally cut, can be integrated to the interior of the hand guards in a manner that, when removed, exposes all the elements contained inside the tube for a thorough cleaning. In particular it is important to mention the differences and advantages with respect to Adams U.S. Pat. No. 7,469,624. This invention is better because it incorporates a Frontal, Lateral, Ambidextrous Non Reciprocating Charging Handle array that operates in conjunction, but independently from the gas direct drive system.

In order to accomplish the non reciprocating feature of the Charging Handle, the Push Rod (80), the Floating Gas Cylinder (20), and the Floating Charging Handle Cylinder (30) must be separated independent parts of a set. In order to provide alignment, support, rigidity, and positioning to the system the elements operate inside a Guide Tube (70) that is positioned and affixed to the rifle by means of a, Tube Support Adapting Plate (10), at the rear, and affixed to the undercut for Tube Support (50)B at the front. This invention well surpasses and improves on Adams U.S. Pat. No. 7,469,624.

A major advantage and innovation of this invention is the fact that the conception of the Gas Block element offers in one embodiment either the One Piece Gas Block (65), or alternatively, in a different embodiment formed by two parts, being, The Lower Gas Block (60), and the Upper Gas Block (50). The latter offering the possibility of assembling or disassembling the unit by sliding the Upper Gas Block (50) from the front, without removing the Lower gas Block (60) from the Barrel (14) and thus assuring the proper alignment of the parts when it is put back together. This is a completely novel approach in the design and conception of Gas Blocks that facilitate the total disassembly of the unit from the front, for cleaning or installation purposes. The design of the above mentioned pieces is such that they press together one against each other due to a dual dove tail angular joint design when slid and pressed and locked frown the front.

When assembled, the final aspect of the Two Piece Gas Block (50) and, (60) is identical to the One Piece Gas Block (65) with respect to bores, cuts, dimensions, and functionality.

No permanent modification of the M-16 rifle o AR 15 platform rifles is needed to install this kit. The original M 16 Charging handle located at the rear of the upper receiver, may remain in place and active.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Terms and Definitions

The term “Charge” refers to the action required to load a new cartridge into the chamber of the firearm barrel and close the breech, leaving the weapon in a condition ready to fire.

The term “Supporting hand” refers to the hand supporting a rifle at the front.

The term “Controlling band” refers to the hand grabbing a rifle at the rear handle and pulling the trigger.

The term “Breechward” a direction towards the breech of the rifle.

The term “Muzzleward” a direction towards the muzzle of the rifle.

OEM means original equipment manufacturer.

The terms rod and push bar are used indistinctively.

Terms such as “under,” “over,” “in front of,” “the back of the gun,” or “behind,” “anterior,” “posterior,” “downward,” “upward,” or “transverse,” are used here as somebody firing a gun would understand them, which is by reference to the longitudinal or firing axis of the barrel when the gun is held in the usual horizontal attitude.

The term Floating Cylinder and Floating Cylinder Actuator are used indistinctively.

The term Floating refers to a part not secured in place, unattached, Inclined to move or be moved about.

The term “Pump Action” refers to reloading a repeating firearm in which a new round is brought from the magazine into the breech by a slide action in line with the barrel.

The operating system exposed in the present invention combines a gas piston-cylinder system, jointly working in cooperation with an external linkage mechanism manually actuated system functioning within a structural supporting tube frame. The operating system also finds application in other firearms seeking the benefits of a frontal, non-reciprocating, ambidextrous charging handle.

In one embodiment, this invention generally relates to solutions and improvement to the original design and operation of the M16 family of rifles which still has two detrimental flaws inherent to its original design.

The M-16 or AR-15 has a charging handle located at the rear of the receiver that is known for the difficulty to the firer to perform the charging action in a comfortable manner. The gas impingement system is a source of dirt buildup and malfunctioning. This application combines in one artifact the solution to the above mentioned flaws which in turn promotes other series of tactical benefits deriver from its use. It opens the potential to retrofit existing military rifles with a better charging mechanism that make unnecessary, for a time, the adoption of newer rifle design. A sliding “Pump Action” front Hand Guard operating in tandem with the existing rear T charging handle is a possible alternative solution. Moreover, the solution provided by the present invention is applicable to other firearms including rifles and shotguns which benefit from the advantages inherent to this operating system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings provided herein are intended to provide descriptions of the possible embodiments of the inventive firearm and accessories thereof. No scope limitations are intended nor should be construed in relation to such representations. Most of the drawings are self-explanatory; however for a better understanding of the advantages, capabilities and innovation of this invention, some of the drawings are explained in more detail. All drawings are shown in one of the preferred embodiments.

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a Plate Tube Support Adapting Plate (10) of the present invention in orthographic view and exploded perspective.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a Floating Gas Cylinder (20) of the present invention in orthographic view and exploded perspective. The Floating Gas Cylinder Actuator is adapted to receive input energy from two sources: 1. Potential energy from high pressure gas and maximizing its force generation in an expansion chamber and; 2. Kinetic energy from an external source like the manual operation. In both cases, the Floating Gas Cylinder Actuator operationally transmits energy and motion to operationally actuate the Bolt Carrier to perform a complete reloading operation.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a Floating Charging Handle Cylinder (30) of the present invention in orthographic view and exploded perspective.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a Gas Plug Piston Regulator (40) of the present invention in orthographic view and exploded perspective.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of an Upper Gas Block (50) of the present invention in orthographic view and exploded perspective.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a Lower Gas Block Lower Gas Block (60) of the present invention in orthographic view and exploded perspective.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of a One Piece Gas Block (65) of the present invention in orthographic view and exploded perspective.

FIG. 8 is an orthographic view of a bolt carrier key replacement (13).

FIG. 9 is an orthographic view of a Push Rod (80) and a Guide Tube (70).

FIG. 10 is an illustration of the complete direct drive retrofit system of the present invention in exploded perspective.

FIG. 11 is a schematic cut view of the complete system installed on an M 16 rifle utilizing the Plate Tube Support Adapting Plate (10), which couples sliding from the front with the OEM Barrel Nut, constraining the Plate Tube Support Adapting plate from rotation and lateral movement. The coupling with the structural support guide tube, which is locked at the front by the gas block, completes the total constringent of the Plate Tube Support Adapting plate.

FIG. 12 is a schematic isomeric view of a sliding front guard handle (95) coupled with the lateral external charging handle portion (30 A) to enable the “Pump Action” charging action.

FIG. 13 is an isometric schematic view of the installation of the Plate Tube Support Adapting Plate (10), which couples sliding from the front with the OEM Barrel Nut, part required for the installation of the system, object of this patent application in M16 rifles without requiring any permanent modification to the OEM receiver or other original parts. The Plate Tube Support Adapting Plate also provides alternatively support to a hand guard.

FIG. 14 is a schematic isomeric view of the Gas Piston System; jointly operating with a linkage mechanism manually actuated charging system as described in the operating system of this application.

FIG. 15 is a schematic isomeric view of the external linkage mechanism manually actuated charging system as described in this application in a certain embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a schematic isomeric view of the Gas Piston System as described in this application, in a certain embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a schematic isomeric view of a the slidably coupling of the floating gas cylinder actuator (20) with the Floating Charging Handle Cylinder (30) in a manner in which the interaction is limited to transfer of force and motion of from the Floating Charging Handle Cylinder (30) to the Floating Gas Cylinder Actuator (20) and not vice versa, due to the contactless nature of the linear relative motion. This condition grants the Non Reciprocating functioning of the Operating system described in this application.

FIG. 18 is a schematic isomeric view or an alternative array of the external linkage mechanism manually actuated charging system when used in combination of a conventional gas piston blocks. Notice the absence of the Floating Gas Cylinder Actuator. The motion promoted by a gas piston inside the Conventional gas block is exerted directly over the front face (80A) of the push rod (80), operationally transmitting transmits energy and motion to operationally actuate the Bolt Carrier to perform a complete reloading operation.

FIG. 19 is a schematic isomeric view of the linkage array system itself, to operationally transmit motion to the bolt carrier by applying external rearwards force to the Floating Charger handle. Notice the presence in the array of the floating gas cylinder actuator (30), which is a part present in the mechanical linkage array, and in the gas-piston motion generating system.

FIG. 20 is a schematic isomeric view of an alternative array of the External Linkage Mechanism Manually Actuated Charging System when used in combination of conventional gas piston blocks. Notice the absence of the Floating Gas Cylinder Actuator. The motion promoted by a gas piston inside the Conventional gas block is exerted directly over the front face (80A) of the push rod (80), operationally transmitting transmits energy and motion to operationally actuate the Bolt Carrier to perform a complete reloading operation. The array herein described, operating within a structural guide tube (80) may be utilized in existing designs of firearms using conventional gas piston systems to operate a push rod, given the proper adaptations for its use.

FIG. 21 is a schematic sectional view of the combined application of in a conventional gas block, showing several stages of the dual functioning of the linkage mechanism when energy derives from potential energy of the high pressure gas piston system, and when kinetic energy derives from external manual force.

FIG. 22 is a schematic sectional view of the operation of the linkage array when a conventional gas piston system is used. Notice that the Floating charging handle remains immobile as the push rod moves linearly through it in a contactless manner.

Name of the components and reference numerals.

Part Number Name

-   10 TUBE SUPPORT ADAPTING PLATE -   10A REAR PINS -   10B BARREL HOLE -   10C ROD BORE -   10D HAND GUARD SUPPORT HOLE -   11 TUBE SUPPORTING LUG -   11A ANULAR INSERTION CUT -   11B ROD BORE GUIDE -   12 BARREL NUT -   12A SEMI CIRCULAR CUT -   12B HOLE FOR BARREL -   13 BOLT CARRIER -   13A BOLT CARRIER GA KEY REPLACEMENT -   14 BARREL -   14 A BARREL GAS PORT -   15 MAIN SPRING -   20 FLOATING GAS CYLINDER ACTUATOR -   20A LATERAL ALIGNMENT GUIDE KEY/LATERAL STUD -   20B LATERAL EXHAUST PORT -   20C INTERNAL CYLINDRICAL CAVITY -   20D MAIN HIGH PRESSURE EXPANSION CHAMBER -   20E REAR CYLINDRICAL CAVITY -   20F SLIM PORTION -   20G FRONT ANNULAR FACE -   20H FRONT WALL -   20 J LARGER DIAMETER -   30 FLOATING CHARGING HANDLE CYLINDER -   30A LATERAL EXTERIOR CHARGING HANDLE -   30B CENTER BORE -   30C PIVOT HOLE -   30D ARTICULATED HANDLE EXTENSIONS -   30E PIVOTING PIN -   30F REAR FACE -   30G CYLINDER RING -   40 GAS PLUG PISTON REGULATOR -   40A NARROW EXHAUST PORTION STUD/SECONDARY CYLINDER. -   40B LOCKING SEMICIRCULAR CUT -   40C EXTERNAL KNOB -   40D LATERAL REGULATING RADIAL APERTURES ARRAY -   40E GAS INJECTION PASSAGE -   40F ANULAR ROTATIONAL LOCK HOLES ARRAY -   400 LOCKING DIMPLE -   40H GAS PLUG REAR FACE -   40I EXHAUST PORT -   40J PRIMARY CYLINDER -   50 UPPER GAS BLOCK -   50A SECURING ROD BORE -   50B UNDER CUT FOR TUBE SUPPORT -   50C HIGH PRESSURE GAS APERTURE -   50D GAS PLUG PISTON REGULATOR BORE -   50E DOUBLE V DOVETAIL MALE -   50F RETENTION SPRING BORE -   51 SECURING ROD -   51A RETAINING PIN -   51B RETAINING SLOTS -   52 RETENTION PIN -   60 LOWER GAS BLOCK -   60A BARREL BORE CLAMP -   60B HIGH PRESSURE GAS APERTURE -   60C DOUBLE V DOVETAIL FEMALE -   60D SCREW HOLES -   60E SCREW -   65 ONE PIECE GAS BLOCK -   65A BARREL BORE CLAMP -   65B HIGH PRESSURE GAS APERTURE -   65 CUNDERCUT FOR TUBE SUPPORT -   65D SCREW HOLES -   65E GAS PLUG PISTON REGULATOR BORE -   65F SECURING ROD BORE -   65G RETENTION SPRING BORE -   65H UPPER FACE -   65I SCREW -   65J RETENTION SPRING -   65K REAR FACE -   66 CONVENTIONAL UNITARY GAS BLOCK WITH INTERNAL CONTAINED     PISTON-CYLINDER ARRAY -   66A MOVABLE INTERNAL PISTON R CYLINDER TO CONTACT THE PUSH ROD -   67 PROJECTILE -   68 MAIN AXIS OF CO ALIGNMENT -   69 HIGH PRESSURE COMBUSTION GAS -   70 STRUCTURAL SUPPORTING GUIDE TUBE -   70A ENGAGING GROVES/SLOT CUT -   70B FORE END -   70C REAR RIND -   70D LOCKING PROTRUSIONS -   70E INTERNAL WALL OF TUBE -   80 PUSH ROD -   80A FORE END -   80B REAR END -   80C CYLINDRICAL RING -   80D CYLINDRICAL RING FRONT FACE -   90 COMPRESSION SPRING -   91 SLIDING HAND GUARD

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

This invention focuses in providing solutions to at least two of the flaws, deficiencies and limitations of previous M16 platform designs. It is a careful trade of ergonomics, portability, fire power, fire comfort, ease of field service and manufacturing, preserving the compactness and conventional silhouette of the original design, and the ease of service and installation.

The embodiments provided herein provide, in a single mechanism array, a direct drive gas piston system, working simultaneously in cooperation with a frontal ambidextrous, not reciprocating, charging system for M 16 and alike rifles, automatic or semiautomatic, capable of operating in tandem with the original rear t charging handle. Such a mechanism array should be capable of being installed in existing rifles as a retrofit kit without requiring any machining or permanent modifications to the original receiver. The gas block assembly composed of two ensemble able parts to facilitate the cleaning and installation procedure; an upper gas block and a lower gas block, which functions like a traditional one piece block when assembled together. A single gas block will also perform properly with the proper characteristics gas passageways. The system having an external lateral, ambidextrous, non-reciprocating, charging handle to be operated when required by the frontal supporting hand for ease of operation. The frontal charging handle capable of coupling with a horizontally sliding frontal hand guard to provide a “Pump Action” charging alternatively when connected to the Floating Charging Handle Cylinder (30). The linkage system working inside a structural tube to provide rigidity alignment, receive and transmit, energy, motion, and prevent harmonic vibrations. The linkage system having adapting supports to be coupled with existing parts and shapes of the receiver with the proper protrusions and cavities to provide a secure motion constraining fixation means to the rifle. The system should provide an easy manner to disassembly in the field. The system should be dismountable to return the rifle to the factory original condition. The system should be compact enough to preserve the general shape of the rifle without adding significant weight to the rifle. At least one single tube support adaptor plate, by design, must to be preferably coupled with the Barrel nut of the M16 rifle is needed to provide the rear structural tube support. At the front, preferably, though not necessarily, the gas block provides the complete support to the system. The system may be completely reversible and retrofit in M16 standard rifle platforms and others conveniently adapted.

The combination of several elements interacting together is what makes this invention remarkable and unexpected. All previous direct drive gas piston systems to replace the gas impingement system have rods or bars, which at some point operate in cantilever supported only by a portion penetrating inside the receiver without any other support which generates disturbing harmonic vibrations affecting the performance of the system and demanding thicker sections of the bar. This invention utilizes a structural supporting Guide Tube (70) to contain and constrain laterally the displacement of all mechanisms within. Especially important it is for the Push Rod (80) which has a Cylindrical Ring (80A) sliding internally with proper tolerance against the internal diameter surface of the supporting tube (70). Such contact is unique to this design since all others lack of any structural tube which provides alignment and support necessary to prevent the lateral harmonic vibration. By having a permanent lateral contact with the tube the push bar never is in cantilever support. It is important to this invention to provide a rigid Guide Tube (70) to grant support, containment and alignment to most of its components. A Tube Support Adapting Plate (10) of unique shape and design to couple with the receiver or parts attached to it is a non permanent means of securely affixing and constraining the Guide Tube (70) to the rifle at the rear, without interfering the action or altering its integrity. At the front, the Guide Tube (70) is affixed, and constrained to rotation or linear horizontal displacement, to the rear wall end of the Gas Block (65), which in turn is securely affixed to the barrel by means of the Barrel Bore Clamp (65B). A Floating Charging Handle Cylinder (30) array operates sliding inside said Tube Guide (70) in conjunction and complete independence of the parts involved in the direct drive action. A Main High Pressure Expansion Chamber (20D) of the Floating Gas Cylinder (20) has a “Sine qua non” (impossible to do without) requisite of necessary importance in attaining the required momentum to force the Bolt Carrier (13) to its most rearwards position to extract the used case and load a new round from the magazine. Without the Expansion Chamber (20D) the impacting force of the Direct Drive gas System may not be strong enough to force the displacement of the Bolt Carrier and Bolt inside the rifle receiver. No permanent modification of the M-16 rifle or AR 15 platform rifles is needed to install this kit, condition which makes possible the reverse procedure of uninstalling the kit, leaving the rifle in an original state. In this invention, in a certain embodiment the gas block device can be constructed as a single unit piece, using part (65), or, in another embodiment as a two piece gas block, so that when assembled together the Lower gas block (60), and the Upper Gas Bolt (50), both become a unit that exactly matches the one piece gas block (65). The two piece gas block facilitates the complete disassembly procedure for cleaning of the gas system more thoroughly. The Upper Gas Bolt (60), slides completely muzzlewards allowing the complete removal of the all the parts of the Direct drive gas piston system, and those of the lateral front charging system.

The following description for Assembly is made when utilizing the One Piece Gas Block (65). To assemble, in one of the possible embodiments, proceed as follows: Remove front OEM hand guards from the rifle. Remove the existing OEM gas block and front sight or from the rifle. Remove existing OEM gas impingement tube. Then from the muzzle end introduce the rifle barrel through the Annular Barrel Bore (1011) of a Tube Support Adapting Plate (10) with a Tube Supporting lug (11) facing foreword. Then press The Rear Pins (10A) of the Tube Support Adapting Plate (10) against a Semi Circular Cuts (12A) of a Barrel Nut (12). Then introduce the Locking Protrusions (70D) of a Guide Tube (70) inside an Annular Insertion Cut (11A) of said Tube Supporting lug (11) assuring that the Engaging Groves (70A) are placed to the side of preference where the Lateral Charging handle (30A) will be operating. Then, introduce a Compression Spring (90) inside said Guide Tube (70) from the Fore End (70B). Then, introduce the Rear End Push Rod (80B) through said Compression Spring (90), and continue introducing a Push Rod Push Rod (80) through the Rod Bore Guide (11B) of said Tube Supporting lug (11), Then Introduce the Rear Cylindrical Cavity (20E) of a Floating Gas Cylinder (20) through the Fore End (70B) assuring that a Lateral Alignment Guide (20A) slides through the Engaging Groves (70A) and that the Fore End Push Rod (80A) penetrates inside Rear a Cylindrical Cavity (20E). A Cylindrical Ring Push Rod (80C) should move freely through the Internal Wall of the supporting Tube (70E); Then, Introduce a Floating Charging Handle Cylinder (30) inside said Fore End (70B) assuring that Pivot Hole (30C) is placed towards the muzzle end, and that Center Bore (30B) slides into a Slim Portion (20F) of Floating Gas Cylinder (20). Then introduce the muzzle end of the barrel through a Barrel Bore Clamp (65A) of a One Piece Gas Block (65) assuring that Retention a Spring Bore (65G) faces towards the muzzle end. Slide said One Piece Gas Block (65) rearwards so that the Rear Face (65K) contacts the step on the Barrel (14), close to the Barrel Gas Port (14A), and aligns with a High Pressure gas Aperture (65B); also make sure that Fore End (70B) penetrates inside the Undercut for Tube Support (65C) of One Piece Gas Block (65). Place the Retention Spring (65J) inside said Retention Spring Bore (65G). Fore End of a Retention Spring (65J) will go inside a Locking Dimple (406) to secure rotation of a Gas Plug Piston Regulator (40). Introduce said Gas Plug Piston Regulator (40) through a Gas Plug Piston Regulator Bore (65E) assuring that the External Knob (40C) penetrates inside Internal Cylindrical Cavity (20C) of a Floating Gas Cylinder actuator (20). Push said External Knob (40C) rearwards and insert a Securing Rod (51) through a Securing Rod Bore (65F) and place two Retaining Pins (51A) on a Retaining Slot (51B). Align Upper Face (65H) with the horizontal top of the rifle by rotating One Piece Gas Block (65) to assure alignment of Barrel (14) with High Pressure gas Aperture (65B). Insert Screw (65I) through Screw Holes (65D) and tighten. The above description is based in the utilization of One Piece Gas Block (65)

Two different systems operate jointly in cooperation without interfering in any instance of the independent operations: A gas piston system, and an external linkage mechanism, manually actuated, charging system.

The operation of the direct drive gas Piston-Cylinder system is of pneumatic (gas) nature where dynamics of gases apply, forcing mechanical dynamics to apply also. In one of the possible embodiments of this invention the gas block device can be constructed as a single unit piece, using the one piece gas block part (65). In another possible embodiment a two piece gas block assembly is possible, in a manner that when assembled together, the upper gas block part number (50) and the lower gas block part number (60), both become a unit that exactly matches the one piece gas block (65). For disassembly, the lower gas block part number (60) remains attached to the barrel, and the upper gas block part number (50) slides muzzlewards facilitating the fast complete disassembly procedure for thoroughly cleaning all the components of the gas system, as well as the frontal cocking charging system.

The following description is based in the alternative utilization of a Two Piece Gas Block. Parts (50) and (60) assembled together. In the direct drive Gas Piston operation, the non reciprocating Lateral Exterior Charging handle (30A) and the Floating Charging Cylinder (30) do not intervene at all. They are completely independent. After igniting the powder of the cartridge, the projectile moves through the bore of a Barrel (14) in response to the high pressure propellant gases. Immediately after passing a Barrel Gas Port (14A), a portion of the high pressure gasses diverts out of the barrel through a High Pressure Gas Aperture (60B) of a Lower Gas Block (60), which aligns with a High Pressure Gas Aperture (50C) of a Upper Gas Block (50), which is aligned with a Lateral Regulating Radial Apertures Array (40D) of a Gas Plug Piston Regulator (40), which conveys the high pressure gases to the Gas Injection Passage (40E). The Exhaust Portion (40E) of the Gas Plug Piston Regulator (40) penetrates inside the Internal Cylindrical Cavity (20C) of the Floating Gas Cylinder (20), allowing the high pressure gasses to penetrate into the Main High Pressure Expansion Chamber (20D), which has a larger diameter (20 J). The high pressure gasses act over the rear face (20H) of the Main High Pressure Expansion Chamber (20D) with a force described by the equation F=P×A where P is the high pressure of gasses inside Main High Pressure Expansion Chamber (20D) multiplied by the rear area (A) of the Main High Pressure Expansion Chamber (20D). This forces the Floating Gas Cylinder (20) to move rearwards impacting Fore End Push Rod (80A) of Push Rod (80) which is nested inside Rear Cylindrical Cavity (20E), causing the Rear End Push Rod (80B) to ram against the Bolt Carrier Key (13A) of the Bolt Carrier (13), which in turn displaces rearwards compressing the main spring inside the receiver ejecting the empty case, and in a reciprocating forward movement displaces a new live round from the magazine forcing it into the Barrel (14) chamber, thus completing the automatic firing loading cycle. The Compression Spring 90 forces the Push Rod (80) forward back into the Rear Cylindrical Cavity (20E), and Exhaust Portion (40A) completely coupled into Internal Cylindrical Cavity (20C).

It must be understood that the Gas Plug Piston Regulator (40) is housed inside the gas plug piston regulator bore (50D) of the Gas Block (50) and remains immobile horizontally, but can be rotated to regulate the high pressure gasses flow. The Gas Plug Piston Regulator (40) has an array if several Lateral Regulating Radial Apertures Array (40D) of different diameters that align with High Pressure Gas Aperture (50C) and constrains and conduct the high pressure gasses flow into Gas Injection Passage (40E), and ultimately to the Main High Pressure Expansion Chamber (20D) where there is a rear wall of larger projected area over which the high pressure acts producing a strong force in the rearwards direction which is transmitted to the Push Bar (80) displaces rearwards together with the floating Gas Cylinder Actuator (20) When the Exhaust Port (20B) of Floating Gas Cylinder (20) aligns with Gas Plug Rear Face (40H) the high pressure gasses are relived and expelled to the exterior through an Exhaust Port (201) passing through the Engaging Groves (70A) of the Guide Tube (70). The Lateral Alignment Guide (20A) slides by the Engaging Groves (70A) maintaining permanent alignment of the Exhaust Port (20B) with the Engaging Groves Engaging Groves (70A) and allowing the longitudinal displacement of Floating Gas Cylinder (20), while constraining any rotation, thus assuring the unrestricted flow of the gasses through the Engaging Groves (70A) to the exterior. The Floating Charging Handle Cylinder (30) remained immobile during the above described action resulting in a non reciprocation act due to the sufficient clearance of the internal wall of The Floating Charging Handle Cylinder (30), and the external wall of the slim portion (20F) of the Floating Gas Cylinder Actuator (20).

The operation of the Frontal lateral Ambidextrous, non reciprocating charging system is of mechanical nature only. When the firer manually pulls an Articulated Handle Extension (30D) rearwards it acts over a rear face surface (30F) having an annular shape which contacts the Front Annular Face (20G) of the Floating Charging Handle Cylinder (30) producing a rearwards force and a displacement. A Center Bore (30B) of Floating Charging Handle Cylinder (30) slides loosely out of the Slim Portion (20F) of the Floating Gas Cylinder (20), and slides inside the Internal Wall of the Tube (70E), and the Lateral Charging handle (30A) displaces linearly only along the Engaging Groves (70A). The Floating Charging Handle Cylinder (30) is a part independent of the direct drive impingement action. It has a spring loaded Articulated Handle Extension (30D) that pivots about the Pivoting Pin (30E) to provide a larger cocking handle to ease the rearwards pulling of the firer for cocking. At that moment the Rear Face (30F) of Floating Charging Handle Cylinder (30) contacts and pushes the Annular Face (20G), This forces the Floating Gas Cylinder (20) to displace rearwards pushing Fore End Push Rod (80A) of Push Rod Push Rod Push Rod (80) which is nested inside Rear Cylindrical Cavity (20E), causing the Rear End Push Rod (80B) to move against the Bolt Carrier Key (13A) of the Bolt Carrier (13), which in turn displaces rearwards compressing the main spring inside the receiver ejecting the empty case. When releasing the Articulated Handle Extension (30D), the compressed main spring of the rifle forces the bolt carriage forward and in a reciprocating forward movement displaces a new live round from the magazine forcing it into the Barrel (14) chamber, thus completing the cocking action. The Compression Spring (90) assists in the return of the Rod Push Rod (80), Floating Gas Cylinder (20), and the Floating Charging Handle Cylinder (30) to the frontal position.

The Guide Tube (70) is necessary to provide internal alignment, anti rotation, protection from dirt, and to serve as ground to all the linkage mechanism components functioning within. The Guide Tube (70) is locked in position constraining lateral, longitudinal or rotational movements by Rear End (70C) at the rear Guide Tube (70) that couple with a Annular Insertion Cut (11). A conveniently placed on a Tube Support Adapting Plate (10), and at the front the Guide Tube (70) is supported by insertion on a Undercut for Tube Support (50B). The Annular Insertion Cut (11A) are placed at 180 degrees so that the Rear End (70C) can be engaged in a manner that the Engaging Groves (70A) is placed either to the right of the rifle or to the left, Thus assuring an ambidextrous operation according to the preference of the firer.

This invention has as well similar applications, in other possible embodiments, for rifles different from standard M16, M4 platforms, utilizing a conventional unitary gas block with a self-contained short stroke gas piston-cylinder coupling actuator, in which either the piston or the cylinder move backwards to impact and to transmit energy and motion to a push bar, operationally linked to the Bolt Carrier in which there is not a Floating Gas Cylinder Actuator (20) or functionally equivalent part which moves linearly in a Short Stroke mode, when moved by the effect of high pressure gases, or in a Long Stroke mode, when moved by the effect of a manual external mechanical force.

The M 16 rifle has proven to be an extraordinary rifle under many combat circumstances. This invention makes the M16 even better. Accordingly, it should understood that the invention described herein remedies the two most prominent remaining flaws of the M 16 family of rifles in one single addition to new rifles or as a retrofit kit for existing rifles. The M16 has evolved and undergone several revisions and upgrades which have brought it to be considered outstanding due to its reliability, accuracy and performance. Several attempts have been made by the governments and private rifle developers to present a substitute weapon to be adopted by the military, but none up to now is more advantageous than the presently produced M-16/M4. In addition, the AR-15 family of rifles produced and sold as a civilian version of the M-16 also benefits from the present invention which is totally compatible with its design for factory installation in new rifles produced or for retrofit installation by individual owners. However the major benefits of this development are in the tactical improvement represented, in drastic time reduction of the charging operation, reduction of body movements, protection of the shooter location concealment, drastic reduction of time to get back on target, it favors the use of more powerful scopes, it conveys more fire power and accuracy. The weight addition is very small, the manufacturing cost is low, and the retrofit operation is very simple. This innovative device has the potential of extending the life of service of the M16 rifle in the military or to be used for the next generation of rifles to be put in service in the future.

The operational system described in the present application enables the independent manual mechanical rear displacement to the rear of the Floating gas cylinder actuator, transmitting the motion to the push bar and ultimately displacing the bolt carrier rearward for manual charging operation, which in all previous art design is moved pneumatically by the action of the expelled gasses utilizing a gas piston system only. The frontal location of a charging handle provides significant operating ergonomic benefits to the shooter reflected in comfort, precision, reduced time to get back on target, and ultimately, increased survival chances when performing in crucial situations when reaction time is extremely important. 

What I claim is:
 1. A combined operating system for reloading firearms by means of a mechanism jointly operating a gas-piston charging system, and an external, manually actuated, mechanical linkage mechanism charging system.
 2. The operating system of claim 1 wherein said manually actuated, mechanical linkage mechanism charging system includes a linearly operated handle.
 3. A factory made firearm including said operating system of claim
 1. 4. A retrofitted firearm including said operating system of claim
 1. 5. A factory made firearm including said operating system of claim
 5. 6. A retrofitted firearm including said operating system of claim
 5. 